Best Headphones in 2020 — Deep Bass, Noise-Cancelling & More!
Headphones are almost a necessity in this day and age. They give you the necessary freedom of listening to your choice of music or anything else all day long without others complaining about it. Whether you want to drown out the background noise, get that extra boost of energy for jogging, pass the time on your commute to work or school, or just listen to your favorite song at the time, headphones are like a blessing from above. Personally, I cannot imagine my day without my trustee earphones.
While headphones give you better isolation from the outside world, some people fail to realize how important it is to have a good set of headphones. Let’s look at some of the reasons why you should give some thought to buying a good set of headphones or the best headphones in 2020.
Why You Should Invest in Best Headphones
Better Experience
When musicians make a song, they do their utmost for the best kind of sound quality because they want a good experience for you. When you are using your headphones, you want a full audio experience, with the smooth line of bass, noise-silencing quiet, and the swift and electric crackle of applause.
Some high-quality headphones will reduce the external noise to almost none and give you that jaw-dropping sound quality while looking cool at the same time.
Better Isolation From Outside
Some speakers produce fantastic sound, but headphones permit good immersion because they can block outside noise and distractions. This is good if you are listening to an audiobook or reading but cannot focus because of the continuous chatter of your siblings.
Headphones come in handy when you are gaming or watching a movie. They make the experience much more immersive and exciting. But do be careful when you are outside, walking or riding a bike. Headphones can make you prone to accidents if you don’t pay much attention to the background surroundings.
Focusing Ability
It is very distracting when you’re trying to solve a problem, but your two roommates think it is the best time to share their life stories. When you have headphones on, people naturally think you cannot hear and avoid talking to you.
Furthermore, headphones drown out outside noises, and you can focus better on the task at hand, whether it’s studying or work. Many of us have different tastes in music; it is almost impossible for everyone in the office to like the music you or your colleague listen to. Some will have complaints. Quality headphones will allow you to focus well on your work while you enjoy your choice of music.
Headphone Types
Over-Ear
These headphones come in two types. The enclosed ones have sealed cups that keep the sound from leaking out and also muffle the outside noise. They are useful but might also block some sound that you might want to hear. Then there are open-back headphones; they give the playback sound a more natural and precise feel. You will be able to hear your surroundings while your music will slightly leak out too. You should make your decision by keeping in mind your preferences.
On-Ear
These are a little lighter than over-ear headphones. They don’t fit over your ears tightly like over-ear headphones. Users consider them more comfortable to wear than over-ear headphones. They also don’t get hot easily. Moreover, let out sound and also allow you to hear your surroundings because they don’t sit tight over your ears. They also come in open-back and enclosed types.
In-Ear
This type is more common than others because they accompany mobile phones and tablets, etc. The earbuds sit in the bowl of your ear and extend out a little. Many of these come with extra ear tips in various sizes to ensure a better fit.
Wireless
Wireless headphones are gaining more popularity. They use Bluetooth technology and, therefore, they usually work in a proximity of 10 meters of the device. Moreover, some brands have made true wireless versions. They don’t have a cord or headband connecting them. They usually have a short battery life, but they are great for portability.
Active Noise Cancellation
More and more headphones these days offer this feature. Some headphones, by design, muffle surrounding sounds. People refer to this as passive noise-canceling. Others are designed to actively block the surrounding noise to ensure you a clearer sound. They have small microphones that detect the frequencies of the background noise and then produce the same frequencies out of phase to cancel them out. Various headphones have several modes of noise cancellation that you can set according to your preferences and surroundings.
My Top Picks for the best headphones in 2020
There are so many choices that it is difficult to make the right buying decision. That is why I am here. Below, I have enlisted the best headphones of 2020 after covering various bases and price points. Take a look at this list; it’s sure to help you choose your ideal pair of headphones.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony is a Japanese corporation and one of the best manufacturers of electronics in the world. They introduced this pair of headphones in December 2019. They are lightweight with convenient Bluetooth technology. The XM4 make the top of my list of best headphones, because they are smart headphones; they react to you and adapt to your lifestyle.
Speak-to-chat automatically knows when you are talking and stops whatever you were listening to so that you can talk without having to take off your headphones. You need to enable it through the app, and the rest is a breeze.
However, if you are one of those users who like to sing along with their music, then you may turn this option off. Your playback will restart after 30 seconds automatically, but this time, the headphones’ sensitivity and other mic options can all be adjusted through the app to suit your preferences.
The Adaptive Smart Control regulates the noise cancellation based on your actions, whether you’re walking, sitting, or traveling. If you enable your location, it learns the places you go to often and adjusts the noise cancellation according to that place. Of course, you can also do these things by yourself.
You can add the locations and change the sound profiles through a Google Maps-esque interface and give those locations names such as work or home. Once you set this simple and useful piece of tech, it doesn’t require much input from you.
It supports multiple connections, though not by default. Voice assistance via Siri and Alexa is available. The sound quality of these headphones is what makes them the best headphones you could buy right now. They are incredibly comfortable and open with a clear sound. Low frequencies hit with much better precision.
Key Features
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Noise cancellation ability
- Chargeable with a USB cable
- The battery lasts 30 hours
- Has a built-in mic and other control options
- Smart speak-to-chat feature
- Touch sensors for play, pause, skip, and volume control
- Available in black and silver color
Pros
- High quality and detailed, rich audio
- Improved noise cancellation
- Very smart, lightweight, and stylish
- Multipoint pairing
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Doesn’t support aptX
2. 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones
The best headphones list can’t be complete without the 1More Triple Driver In-Ear headphones. These are a good pair of in-ear headphones that tick all the right boxes without crushing your wallet. 1more is a San Diego-based electronics company that makes quality in-ear and over-ear headphones. But these triple in-ear headphones especially stand out among their products.
They have a subtle yet stylish design, with aluminum in their structure and a tinge of rose gold. The earbuds are angled and fit perfectly in your ears. They don’t sit flush totally but stick out just a little.
1more has used two types of textures for the cables in these earphones. The cable from the y-connector to the jack is covered in fabric for durability, and the cable from the y-connectors to the earbuds is made of rubber.
These headphones have a three-button remote that works with Android devices and iPhones. The sound quality of the triple driver is warm and detailed. You’ll appreciate its quality of making each instrumental layer audible in complex songs. The lush mids work to highlight the singer’s voice. The mid-bass bump gives these headphones a warm tonal balance that doesn’t take over.
They also cancel out the background noise well despite not featuring any active noise cancellation.
Key Features
- Closed acoustic design
- Covers frequencies between 20–40,000Hz
- Dynamic driver
- Impedance is 32 ohms
- Sensitivity is 99 dB
- Built-in MEMS microphone
- Three-button remote for audio control
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Stylish design
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- The plastic remote looks a bit cheap
- The rubber cable easily gets jumbled
3. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Headphones
Bowers is a British brand that produces one of the best headphones. They are wireless and have impressive noise cancellation ability. They came out in September 2019. At first, they were offered at $399, but now that they have been in the market for a while, you can find them at a lower price.
These smart headphones have elliptical ear cups, durable build, and a fabric finish. The use of custom carbon fiber composite in the build makes them lighter and pleasant wear. You’ll hardly notice them with the comfortable and soft leather earpads. They are very well-built, so if you are scared of demolishing its gleaming exterior, then don’t be.
You can toss them in your bag without the hard case that they come in. The only let down is that the ear cups don’t fold in. These headphones have a button for audio control, which is not a very modern feature, but some may appreciate the certainty that comes with a physical button.
They support the next-gen aptX codec and aptX adaptive. This means that the stability and latency between the headphones and your smartphone or tablet will be better. You won’t experience any hiccups while the audio plays. The syncing between audio and video will be flawless.
It has three modes for noise cancellation — high, medium, and low — that you can cycle through via a button. The audio turns off automatically when you remove the headphones due to the proximity sensors. The highs, bass, and mids all make the sound quality delivered by these headphones please the majority of customers.
Key Features
- Closed acoustic design
- Built-in microphone
- Covers a frequency range of 10–30,000Hz
- 43.6 mm drivers
- 20 kohms impedance
- The battery runs for 30 hours
- Support for aptX
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Available in dark gray and silver colors
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Smart pause option due to proximity sensors
- Flawless noise cancellation
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Has buttons for audio control which could break
- Ear cups don’t collapse
4. Plantronics BackBeat Go 810
These headphones are affordable, have a durable build, and feature decent active noise cancellation. While its predecessor featured a wood insert and leather, this one is all metal, silicone, and plastic. The plastic headband is plastic and covered with fabric. This may not make it as comfortable as leather, but it will be durable.
The outside of the ear cups is leather and silicone, while the pads are made of faux leather. They can be worn for long hours without feeling any discomfort. The durable metal forks attach the earcups to the headband and allow them to fold flat for easy portability.
The left earcup sports volume and playback controls while the right earcup has a power slider and noise cancellation button. There is a 3.5 mm jack that allows the headphones to be connected with a cable so you can use them when they are out of battery. We’d like to point out that you have to use a micro-USB cable, which might annoy people used to USB-C cables.
The sound quality of these headphones is good but with noise cancellation on. When you turn off the noise cancellation, the sound lacks detail, and the bass gets a little overwhelming. You may also hear a faint hissing when there is no music playing. It still offers a lot at the price that it comes at, compared to some of the best headphones on the market. The battery will last for 22 hours with the ANC on.
Key Features
- Closed acoustic design
- 40 mm drivers
- Features active noise cancellation that can be adjusted via an app
- The battery can work for two hours with noise cancellation on
- EQ presets for customizing the sound
- Available in black, blue, and white colors
Pros
- Very durable
- Affordable
- Good active noise cancellation with various modes
- Warm and balanced sound
Cons
- Slight hissing when music is not playing
- Collects dust easily
5. Bose 700 Headphones
Does a best headphones list exist without Bose? I doubt so. These active noise cancellation headphones are a good product manufactured by the makers of the QC 35 II model, which were very famous for a while. This headset performs better and shines as a call-making headset. While these headphones are not the best out there, they still are an excellent choice. They have a slim stainless-steel headband that sits on top of the earcups to be easily adjusted.
The earcups don’t fold, but they rotate flat for easy storage. The headband has a padded underside that makes the headphones comfortable to wear. The earcups are padded with faux leather. They don’t weigh much either; you can wear them for hours without any discomfort.
The right earcup has a touch-sensitive ridge that lets you play, pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and check the battery. You can also use Siri or Alexa with these wireless headphones for assistance.
There is a physical button in the left earcup for changing noise cancellation modes. You can press on that button to activate conversation mode, which will stop the playback and let in the background sounds. Bose has eight microphones, four in each cup. You will be able to take phone calls and give voice commands in any noisy area without any trouble.
These headphones sound crisp and clear even at full volume, which is not an easy feat with some music genres like metal. The depth and clarity of the sound in these headphones is appreciable.
These headphones offer 20-hour battery life, which isn’t great but not bad either. If you charge it for 15 minutes, you can get 3.5 hours of listening time. Bose recently released a firmware update that allows for voice prompt, adjustable EQ, and improved connectivity.
Key Features
- Wireless, active noise cancellation headphones
- Eight microphones
- Bluetooth works in a 10-meter radius
- Touch buttons for audio control
- Adjustable EQ
- The battery works for 20 hours
- Available in four colors
Pros
- Sleek design
- Touch controls are easy to use
- Comfortable to wear
- Clear sound in noisy areas
Cons
- Expensive
- Treble can be harsh sometimes
6. Jabra Elite 45h Headphones
After seeing success with their ANC earbuds, Jabra released these best headphones in June 2020. These headphones don’t have modern features, but they offer so much at a very low price that they made it to our list of best headphones of 2020.
They are very light and functional, and you can wear them for hours on end. You may have to move them around a little to fit your head perfectly. The earcups can fold flat. There are various buttons on the right earcup for power on/off, Bluetooth pairing, playback control, and summoning voice assistance.
The call quality could have been better as you hear all kinds of noises when on call. Its sound+ app has a few EQ presets though and five-band custom equalization, which is very impressive. These headphones produce upbeat and energetic sound. The bass is weighty and the treble feisty.
These headphones are compatible with Android devices and iPhones. The battery lasts for 50 hours, which is quite impressive. You can use it for 10 hours by charging it for just 15 minutes.
Key Features
- 40 mm drivers
- Covers a frequency range of 20–20,000Hz
- Wireless and splash-proof
- Has stereo speakers
- Two built-in microphones
- Two-year warranty
- Available in four colors
Pros
- Very affordable
- Has extended battery life (50 hours)
- Balanced sound
- Sound+ app is very useful
Cons
- Call quality could be improved
- Sound leaks out
7. RHA S500u In-Ear Headphones
You may think corded in-ear headphones are relics from old times, but when it comes to excellent sound quality, they should be the first ones you consider buying. They also cost less compared to the wireless ones. The headphones have aluminum housing, which adds to its durability.
The cable is braided nylon, which is tough enough to resist a few tugs. There is also a small clip in place to help reduce cable noise. It has a mic and a single button remote. These headphones are compatible with iPhones and Android devices.
The package includes a carrying pouch and seven different sizes of ear tips. There are also a pair of double flange tips that ensure better isolation. Moreover, the driver housings are very small so that you can wear them comfortably for many hours.
The sound is good with impactful bass and balanced but present mids. Similarly, the timbre of the cello is very satisfying. The highs are exciting to listen to but may tire you after a while. These headphones have an undeniably solid build and decent sound quality and come at half the price of costly headphones.
Key Features
- Corded in-ear headphones
- Comes with noise-isolating ear tips
- Impedance is 16 ohms
- Features in-line mic
- Covers frequency between 16–22,000Hz
- Has aluminum housing
Pros
- The build is strong with aluminum and nylon construction
- The audio is well-balanced and impressive
- The seven pairs of tips included are a good addition
- Excellent good value for money
Cons
- The soundstage is a bit narrow
- Some customers have complained about the durability
8. Sony WF-1000XM3
These earbuds are from the 1000X noise-canceling headphone family. They are available in black and a simple silver color. They are not very bulky nor very small, and they sit very comfortably in your ears. The case that they come in is rechargeable and has a copper lid. It is the case and charger of these earbuds at the same time.
The earbuds have a dual sensor system, and the noise cancellation is also impressive. The fit of the ear tips is comfortable and snug; they will not fall out of your ears. Additionally, a wide range of sizes of non-slip earbud covers are provided in the package.
These headphones feature Bluetooth NFC pairing, Google Assistant support, and hands-free voice calling service. You can also make changes to the EQ by connecting to the Sony app. There are also physical controls, but the small size makes using them a bit challenging.
When you take one of the earbuds out, the music pauses and resumes when you put it back on. There is also a quick attention mode. However, you can only control the volume through the app.
The sound is clear and detailed due to the 6 mm drivers. Moreover, the soundstage is expansive and impressive. The mid-frequency range is mild and smooth, while the bass is decent, with no boom. Its noise-canceling ability is appreciable. The battery lasts for 24 hours, which is much more than its rivals.
Key Features
- Dome-type 6 mm drivers
- Bluetooth works in the range of 10 meters
- The battery lasts up to 24 hours
- Covers frequencies in the range of 20–20,000Hz
- Features active noise cancellation
Pros
- Tweaking music is possible with EQ adjustment
- High-quality sound
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Good-quality build
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Pairing with PC is not as easy as with smart devices
9. Lypertek Tevi Wireless EarBuds
These wireless earbuds are a real gem when it comes to performance and price. Lypertek is new in the industry, but they make good quality products. These earbuds come in a pill-shaped charging case. The case has a battery inside, and when you put your buds in it, they will start charging.
These earbuds use Qualcomm’s wireless technology. You need to connect the right and left earbuds, or you can use them individually. This means that you can use a single earbud if you want to, for example, for calls. They work like any other true wireless earbuds.
These earbuds offer up to 70 hours of playtime. The size of the case and the earbuds itself is small and pocketable. It even includes a USB Type-C charging cable, which is superior to micro-USB cables.
The buds are lightweight and comfortable to wear, but some fatigue is inevitable after long hours of use. They have physical buttons for playback control, call acceptance, and voice assistance. Pressing the buttons may be uncomfortable, but they are reliable.
You may think since they are affordable, the sound quality must suffer, but that is not the case here. The sound is neutral and doesn’t exaggerate its elements. Bass junkies might be a bit disappointed, though. You can hear a little hiss at high volume, but it is not a deal-breaker.
Key Features
- Uses Qualcomm wireless technology
- IPX7 waterproof
- Has built-in cVc 8.0 noise-canceling microphone
- Uses 6 mm graphene drivers
- Supports aptX and AAC codecs
Pros
- Audiophiles will love the neutral sound without any exaggeration
- 70-hour playtime will be enough for most
- Reasonable price for true wireless earbuds
- Can connect just one earbud at a time if required
Cons
- Some may find the design a bit plain
- A few customers have complained about the fit
10. Optoma NuForce BE Sport4
These wireless in-ear headphones look a bit different than your regular headphones. They connect to each other via a thin wire that sits around your neck. These headphones are a bit simple; they have Bluetooth and are charged with a micro-USB socket on the in-line remote.
When you first pair it with your device, however, you may hear some interference. This may even depend upon your phone.
The battery life is decent and lasts up to 10 hours. They charge reasonably quickly, though, and take only 15 minutes to get two-hour battery life. The remote has three physical buttons, and you can use them to control playback and accept or terminate phone calls.
They sound a bit chunky; the treble is conservative with robust mids. However, the graphene drivers reduce the distortions in playback. The sound is not perfect, but it is decent enough for its price.
Key Features
- Closed acoustic design
- 6 mm dynamic driver
- The frequency range is 20–20,000Hz
- Impedance is 32 ohms
- Bluetooth that works in a 10-meter radius
Pros
- The battery life is quite good
- They fit very well
- The sound is solid and rich
- Sweatproof
Cons
- Stereo imaging is moderate
- Not ideal if you want to listen with one ear
11. Sennheiser HD 450BT
Sennheiser are great-sounding noise-canceling headphones. These over-ear headphones have a minimalistic design and come in different combinations of black and white. The silver-gray ear cushions and the detail on the headband look chic. If you don’t want to stand out with your headphones, you’ll probably like these headphones.
They are fully foldable, and you can store them easily when you’re done with them. They don’t take up much space and are therefore suitable for travel. However, the plastic construction feels a bit cheap at times, which the price reflects.
The benefit of the plastic construction is that they are very light and are comfortable to wear for long hours. The earcups have generous padding and feel soft. Additionally, the right earcup has buttons for playback control, summoning the voice assistant, and making voice calls.
The battery life is impressive, lasting for 30 hours. Moreover, these headphones support Bluetooth 5, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs. You will not face any latency issues with them, and they sound fun with various bass frequencies. The sound is a combination of high fidelity and warmth. The noise-canceling works well, but they don’t block all of the external noise.
Key Features
- Closed acoustic design
- The frequency range is 18–22,000Hz
- 40 mm dynamic drivers
- Bluetooth connectivity works in a range of 10 meters
- Features active noise cancellation
Pros
- Light and comfortable to wear
- Sound is amazing
- Fully foldable
- Decent battery life
Cons
- The plastic feels cheap
- The padding at the top may not be adequate for some users
12. Grado SR60e Headphones
These stylish headphones have a distinctive look. Their size is appropriate; they are not huge, sit comfortably on the ears, and have an open back. The back of each earcup has a wide-spaced speaker grille. Since they are open back, you’ll be able to listen to your surrounding noise, and people will hear your music as well. They are leaky in this regard.
The headband is static and unfoldable, but they can take some rough treatment since the headband has a metal skeleton and thick padding. The padding is then covered by PU leather, which is connected to plastic earcups on either side. The construction material is not premium, which shows in the price — they are affordable.
The sound is clear and open with good imaging, while the treble is amazing at this price. The bass is taut with a good punch for open-backed headphones. At high volume, the otherwise detailed mids can be a bit harsh. These headphones are technically superior for their price. While you may not be able to use them outdoors, they are definitely worth the buck.
Key Features
- Open back design
- The frequency range is 20–20,000Hz
- Impedance is 32 ohms
- Dynamic drivers
- Wired headphones
- Sensitivity is 99 dB
Pros
- Detailed sound for the price
- High level of comfort
- Stylish look
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Leaky sound
- Not very portable
13. Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
Although they are not as well-known as Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic has been able to grace the audio market with some good gear. Their products are famous for their excellent build and sound quality.
Likewise, the build of these headphones is solid. There is the use of a lot of metal in the design. They are all black. The driver grills have a silver color mesh, though, which makes them look very stylish. The headband is covered in PU leather.
The earpads have memory foam covered in gray valor. One thing to note is that the earcups may get warm after extended use. The package includes one three-meter straight cable and a five-meter coiled one.
The headphone case also has two types of earpads. The A version has a neutral frequency response while the B version has boosted bass. You may find switching the earpads a bit annoying at the start, but once you get used to it, you’ll like the experience.
The bass has good depth and is the highlight of these headphones. When you switch to A, the sound quality becomes balanced. Highs are good in both pads with detail to the sound.
Since they are open-backed, you cannot use them outdoors a lot. The width and depth of the soundstage is good. They are exceptional headphones with outstanding resolution and energy. They are also comfortable and durable.
Key Features
- Open acoustic design
- The frequency range is 5–40,000Hz
- Impedance is 250 ohms
- Sensitivity is 102 dB
- Corded headphones
Pros
- Very well-built
- Comfortable
- Superb resolution
- Professional-grade quality
Cons
- The mids need a bit of improvement
- Piercing highs can cause ear fatigue
14. JBL Tune 750BTNC
JBL is another famous brand in the world of Bluetooth speakers and headphones. These headphones are made of plastic, which looks smooth and doesn’t feel cheap at all. They don’t come in any kind of case, so you might have to buy one. They are light but not super light. Additionally, they sit nicely on your head and don’t cause any discomfort.
The right earcup has all the controls. This includes a charging port and a 3.5 mm audio jack, which means you can charge while listening to them. There is also a power button that is used for Bluetooth pairing as well.
Furthermore, there are physical buttons for volume control, summoning voice assistant, and activating noise cancellation. It supports Bluetooth 4.2, and the maximum battery life is 22 hours. You can also connect it to two devices at the same time.
These headphones have a very effective noise cancellation feature. The sound is good with taut bass that doesn’t overpower the music. They support SBC codec instead of low-latency aptX, which may disappoint some audiophiles. Still, they sound great and are robust.
Key Features
- Closed acoustic design
- 40 mm drivers
- The frequency range is 20–20,000Hz
- Impedance is 32 ohms
- Sensitivity is 95 dB
- The battery lasts for up to 22 hours
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Impressive active noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear
- Very pronounced bass and treble
Cons
- Don’t support Bluetooth 5
- A few users have complained about the durability
15. Focal Stellia Headphones
These headphones are made by a French company known for its high-end luxurious designs and high prices. These headphones are not an exception — they have a striking design with a cognac color. The headband and earcups are full-grain leather, while memory foam is used in the earpads.
The build of these headphones is very durable. Moreover, they are very comfortable to wear. The cables are also the same color as the headphones, while the case they come in is also very stylish.
The broad soundstage makes these headphones a joy to listen to. It handles different timbres and frequencies very well, and the detailed sound is awe-inspiring.
Key Features
- Closed acoustic design
- 40 mm drivers
- Frequency range 5–40,000Hz
- Impedance is 350 ohms
- Sensitivity is 106 dB
Pros
- The sound is very detailed and precise
- Has wide soundstage
- Very comfortable
- Luxurious design
Cons
- Very expensive
- Some may find them too big to use on the move
Conclusion
Deciding on which headphones to buy can be a grueling decision to make, but if you know what you are looking for, the task will be so much easier. The sound quality is important above all. How you define good sound quality depends on your taste. Do you like more bass or a warm sound? Or do you prefer a detailed sound where you can hear each instrument separately? All of the headphones above have been reviewed and considered carefully. I hope you find the best among them. Good luck!
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